Visayas are one of three major island groupings in the Philippines, the other two being Mindanao and Luzon. Divided into three separate regions, the Eastern, the Western and the Central Visayas, it is an area in fact made up of seven major islands (Palawan, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Samar), and a series of smaller islands. Some of the best scuba diving in the Philippines can be found in the Visayas, and in particular areas such as Borocay Island, Cebu City, Bohol and Moalboal house some truly fantastic dives sites.
There are a number of excellent dive sites around the Bohol/Panglao Island area which have something to offer even the most experienced of divers. Hammerhead Point is located at the North West of Cabilao Island, and is well known for the large shoals of hammerhead sharks which frequent the area, particularly during the December-January time. The area itself is noted for its exceptional visibility, however, this is coupled with ferocious currents which sweep through the region. As such, it is certainly worth planning your dives in Cabilao Island well in advance, and seeking local advice before you actually dive.
Pamalican Island, located 23 kilometres (14 miles) east of Balicasag Island is a great dive site for those wishing to encounter the large manta rays that inhabit the area. 'Pamalican' translated literally means the 'resting place of the mantas' and given the large number of mantas that are to the found in the waters surrounding Pamalican Island, it is easy to see why. Outside of these mantas, Pamalican Island has a lot of other marine life and coral to offer, and despite its more remote location, it certainly worth a visit.
Boracay Island is predominantly famous for its stunning beaches which are known for their talcum powder like feel. However, there are some interested dive sites which are located around the island including Angol Point, Bat Cave, Crocodile Island and Fridays Rock. However the best dive site at Borocay Island is widely accepted as being Yapak, which is actually two separate walls which start at 30 metres, and carry on down to over 70 metres. Here, it is likely you will encounter some large pelagics, and regular sightings of Dogtooth Tuna, Whitetips and Blacktips sharks and Napoleon Wrasse and Trevallies are reported. Due to the depth of these walls, they are only for more experienced divers. This coupled with the strong currents which can be found at Yapak, mean it is probably worth talking to some of the local dive operators before going out there.
Moalboal is a sleepy town which lies on the west coast of the island of Cebu, about 90kms south from Cebu City. Moalboals reputation as a top scuba diving location really took off in the 1970's, and on the back of this saw a large increase in the number of tourists and scuba divers who were visiting the area. However, this growth in the tourist numbers was dramatically slowed in 1984 when a typhoon struck the area with a devastating effect on the environment both above and below the water.
There are a number of decent dive sites throughout the Moalboal area, which start at the northerly Copton Peninsula, and follow southwards towards the house reef at Panagsana Beach. Throughout the area, dive sites such as the House Reef and Copton Point both provide good diving, however it is the diving around Pescador Island which is best known. The site, a 20 minute boat ride from Moalboal is a shallowed plateau type reef, which borders a steep wall which falls down into the depths.
All around Pescador Island are a number of different sites in a number of locations, and it is worth spending some time exploring them thoroughly. All around the island, these shallow reefs drop off to steep walls which are littered with small crevices and coves which are filled with marine life.
There is some truly wonderful diving to be done throughout the Visayas, and although we have covered some of the more popular ones here, there are a number of other areas worthy of a visit. In particular, areas such as Dunaguete and Apo Island have some great diving.
If you are considering diving in the Philippines, set aside a decent amount of time, and put the Visayas on your list. A stunning natural environment both above and below the water will ensure that your diving in the Visayas will be time well spent. Overall, the scuba diving in the Philippines is of an exceptionally high standard, and is well worth the longer travel times to get to the more 'far flung' destinations.
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